February 20, 2013 + On Knowledge of God

by St. John of DamascusFrom An Exact Exposition of the Orthodox Faith, Book I, Chapter 1.

. . . God has not gone so far as to leave us in complete ignorance, for through nature the knowledge of the existence of God has been revealed by Him to all men. The very creation of its harmony and ordering proclaims the majesty of the divine nature. Indeed, He has given us knowledge of Himself in accordance with our capacity, at first through the Law and the Prophets and then afterwards through His only-begotten Son, our Lord and God and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Accordingly, we accept all those things that have been handed down by the Law and the Prophets and the Apostles and the Evangelists, and we know and revere them, and over and above these things we seek nothing else. For, since God is good, He is the author of all good and is not subject to malice or to any affection. For malice is far removed from the divine nature, which is the unaffected and only good. Since, therefore, He knows all things and provides for each in accordance with his needs, He has revealed to us what it was expedient for us to know, whereas that which we were unable to bear He has withheld. With these things let us be content and in them let us abide and let us not step over the ancient bounds or pass beyond the divine tradition.

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St. Leo the Bishop of Catania in Sicily

Troparion - Tone 1

You were shown forth as a resplendent priest, a teacher of godliness and a wonderworker, blessed hierarch Leo; by the light of heavenly virtue you were enriched with the power of the Spirit, and heal the souls and bodies of those who hasten to you. Glory to Christ who has glorified you! Glory to Him who has crowned you! Glory to Him who through you works healing for all!

Kontakion - Tone 2

With hymns of praise let us crown Leo, who was consecrated to the Lord from early childhood; he received grace while still a babe in swaddling clothes. He is a brightly shining star in the Church: its valiant defender and firm support!